Another World is Possible Fund

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As the pandemic crisis continues, very different visions of our world are unfolding.  In one scenario, we see increased authoritarianism, corporate control, competition over resources and the decimation of vulnerable communities.  In another scenario, we see the emergence of an inclusive democracy, a regenerative economy, increased interdependence and the opportunity for all communities to thrive.

Which vision of the world will you fight for and invest in?

Another World is Possible Fund is a vehicle to invest in the social justice organizations who are fighting for both a just response to COVID-19 in the short-term AND a visionary future for our world in the long-term.  Our goal is to raise and distribute $1M to give out in immediate, general operating grants to organizations affiliated with Transformative Leadership for Change and Chinook Fund. Together, we have a shared network of 75 organizations who are eligible for these funds. Click here for a complete list of current Chinook Fund grantees. Applications are reviewed and awarded on a weekly basis.

Another World is Possible Grantees include the following groups (updated 6/24): 

Another Life Foundation: The Black Men’s Project, Atlantis ADAPT, Black Business Initiative, Black Lives Matter 5280, Breaking Our Chains, Center for Community Wealth Building, Check Your Head, Colorado Circles for Change, Colorado Jobs with Justice, Compound of Compassion, Compañeros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center, Creative Strategies for Change, Cultivando, Denver Homeless Out Loud, Denver Justice Project, El Centro AMISTAD, Front Line Farming, Fuerza Latina, Herbal Gardens Wellness, Lamar Unidos, Mi Familia Vota, Pine River Shares, Project VOYCE, Resilient Communities Resilient Futures, Second Chance Center, Soul 2 Soul Sisters, Una Mano Una Esperanza, & Young Aspiring African Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA).

Recognizing this hour of urgent need, Chinook Fund seeded the fund with $75,000 from its operating reserves. Additional funding has been provided by the following foundations: AJL Foundation ($10,000), Campbell Foundation Fund, Congdon Family Fund, Colorado Health Foundation ($100,000) & Denver Foundation Leadership & Equity ($10,000).

In addition to grants, we are raising money to offer quality coaching and strategic planning to those receiving funds. Numerous leaders have requested help to stay open, “recession-proof” their organizations, adapt their work to new conditions – and more.

To learn more, download the detailed fund vision and description: Another World is Possible Fund Overview PDF. For more information, contact Crystal Middlestadt at cmiddlestadt@chinookfund.org or Neha Mahajan at neha@transformativeleadershipforchange.org. Original art by Chetna of @mosaiceye and www.mosaiceyeunfolding.com.

We have an unprecedented window of opportunity to make changes that were considered impossible just a few weeks ago.  

JOIN US in an act of collective solidarity and radical generosity to make another world possible!

Colorado Social Justice Landscape

Chinook Fund has a 33-year legacy of seeding grassroots movements across the state through community-led grantmaking.  Transformative Leadership for Change is a new initiative that supports the healing, transformation, solidarity and radical visions of people of color leading social justice organizations.  

We are two complementary capacity-building organizations in the Colorado progressive ecosystem, partnering together in the spirit of abundance, interdependence and mutual aid to raise resources for those who are forging the path to the world we believe is possible.

Most philanthropic and government relief efforts are going towards short-term direct aid.  While this is critically important, we need to channel resources to the organizations working on the social, political, cultural and structural change that is necessary and uniquely possible during this moment. 

Our organizations have been working both inside and outside the system to make change – holding institutions accountable, while also building alternatives.  We are fighting for demands such as releasing incarcerated and detained individuals, providing universal basic income, guaranteeing paid sick days and paid leave, including gig workers in benefits, freezing rent and mortgages – and so much more.  We are also committed to turning these short-term policies into permanent wins, so our communities can move from surviving to thriving in the long-run.

We are used to doing bold, visionary work in difficult conditions, without many resources.  The pandemic is intensifying this reality, and threatening the very existence of some of our organizations.  This is why your contribution and support is more critical and meaningful than ever before!